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History
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In the 16th and 17th centuries, everything had to be transported by ship and
large shipments of manure were common. It was shipped dry, because in dry form
it weighed a lot less than when wet, but once water (at sea) hit it, it not only
became heavier, but the process of fermentation began again, of which a by
product is methane
gas. As the stuff was stored below decks in bundles you can see what could (and
did) happen. Methane began to build up below decks and the first time someone
came below at night with a lantern, BOOOOM! Several ships were destroyed in
this manner before it was determined just what was happening.
After that, the bundles of manure were always stamped with the term "Ship High
In Transit" on them, which meant for the sailors to stow it high enough off the
lower decks so that any water that came into the hold would not touch this
volatile cargo and start the production of methane. Thus evolved the term
"S.H.I.T " , (Ship High In Transport) which has come down through the centuries
and is in use to this very day. You probably did not know the true history of
this word. Neither did I.
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I don't know if it's true, but it makes a good story nevertheless.
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